The condition when the heart rate or rhythm is abnormal is known as cardiac arrhythmias. The regular heart beat in normal adults is from 60 to 100 times per minute. The pulse, which can be felt at the wrist and neck, matches the contractions of the heart's two powerful lower chambers, called the ventricles. The two upper chambers of the heart, known as atria, also contract to help fill the ventricles.

Cardiac arrhythmias can be classified depending on their origin or their effect on the heart rate. Hence, based on the place where they appear, cardiac arrhythmias can be ventricular arrhythmias (originating in the ventricles) or supraventricular arrhythmias (originating in heart areas above the ventricles, typically the atria). On the other hand, according to their effect on the heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias can be tachycardia (a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute) or bradycardia (a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute).

If you are not sure whether or not you have cardiac arrhythmia, it’s crucial to know what causes this condition and what to do if you deal with it. Here are all the possible triggers for this condition and what to do if someone around you suffers from cardiac arrhythmias.

Cardiac Arrhythmias Causes

When there is an interruption to the electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract, arrhythmia usually occurs. There is a wide range of factors which can cause the heart to work incorrectly. Some of the most common causes of cardiac arrhythmias are:

• smoking;
• excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol;
• hyperthyroidism;
• hypothyroidism;
• high blood pressure;
• coronary artery disease;
• changes to the heart's structure;
• scarring of heart tissue from a prior heart attack;
• a heart attack that's occurring right now;
• stress;
• drug abuse;
• diabetes;
• medications and supplements;
• sleep apnea;
• genetics;

Symptoms

The most important thing you should know about cardiac arrhythmias is that they don’t always cause symptoms. However, if you or someone around you experiences certain symptoms on a regular basis, it’s advisable to seek medical help. Some of the most important symptoms which might mean that you have cardiac arrhythmia are fainting, dizziness, palpitations, sweating, pounding in the chest, fatigue, and chest pain.

Treatment

So, we already mentioned that a person who frequently experiences the above-mentioned symptoms should seek urgent medical help. There is a type of arrhythmia, known as ventricular fibrillation, which can be deadly. In fact, a person having ventricular fibrillation will experience rapid, erratic electrical impulses of the heartbeat. So, the person with ventricular fibrillation is likely to collapse within seconds. In case this happens, make sure to follow these steps:

• Call 911 or the emergency number in your area;
• Provide hands-only CPR (uninterrupted chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 a minute) until paramedics arrive;
• Find out if an automated external defibrillator (AED), which can deliver an electric shock that may restart heartbeats, is available nearby;

Prevention

Fortunately, it is possible to reduce the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. First and foremost, living a heart-healthy lifestyle will help you reduce the risk not only from cardiac arrhythmias but also from any heart-related issue. Therefore, you should limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine, as well as, smoking. Likewise, eat a healthy diet, which is packed with nutrients and will help you keep a healthy weight. Last but not least, do regular physical exercise and avoid over-the-counter medications which may trigger a rapid heartbeat.